National Grid Conducting Helicopter Inspections of Rhode Island Power Lines

Flights scheduled to check for possible damage from Juno

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – While National Grid’s electric transmission and distribution systems stood up well to the gale force winds of Juno that brought blizzard like conditions to our region, the company will conduct aerial inspections of much of its Rhode Island electricity delivery networks throughout the state. Flights over northern Rhode Island are scheduled for the morning hours of January 29 and southern sections of the state in the afternoon.

“We are constantly inspecting all portions of our delivery systems to make sure they are operating safely and reliably,” said Timothy F. Horan, President of National Grid in Rhode Island, “With a storm like the one that just hit us, there’s a chance damage was done to our equipment or trees along the corridors. The flights are meant to locate damage so we can complete repairs before they cause disruptions in service.”

Most of these transmission corridors are located in wooded, isolated areas, making ground inspections difficult. Ground inspections are also being conducted on National Grid’s system in areas that are more easily accessible. Aerial inspections will be conducted by trained personnel using specially designed, high-powered gyroscopic binoculars at low altitudes. Public safety officials in the selected communities have been notified that the flights have been scheduled.

Weather permitting, afternoon flights on Thursday are planned over West Warwick, Westerly, Charlestown, Hopkinton, South Kingstown, Narragansett, Coventry, Richmond, West Greenwich and North Kingstown.

Morning flights will cover Smithfield, Burrillville, Scituate, Cranston, North Providence, Johnston, East Providence, Barrington, Bristol and Warren.